Chapter 403: Chapter 96: I’m Just a Face-Lover 38
The Wu Family of three arrived at the Xiao Family the next day.
Anning introduced them to Xiao Yuan and then arranged for them to stay at the Manor.
Wu Ping, before engaging in business, had experience in farming and could take care of crops.
Anning did not bring him here to farm, but to manage the tenants on the Manor.
Anning created a detailed plan and handed it to Wu Ping, instructing him to manage according to the plan.
After settling the Wu Family people, Anning, upon leaving, said to Wu Ping: "Your son Gousheng shouldn’t keep using this name forever; he needs a proper name. Also, when I find some free time, send your daughter and son to me. I will teach them how to read and write. Regardless of whether they will take the imperial examinations in the future, they should at least be literate."
Wu Ni was overjoyed upon hearing this.
She hurriedly pulled Gousheng to kowtow before Anning: "If you are willing to teach us, then you are our teacher. My brother and I should kowtow to our teacher first."
This child was indeed adept at seizing the opportunity.
Anning, smiling, helped the two children up: "Whether you’ll officially become my apprentices, I’ll decide after assessing you. But, having accepted your respect, I cannot ignore it. Eventually, I’ll teach you useful skills. After some time, when I see what you excel in, I’ll teach you accordingly."
Anning patted Gousheng’s head: "Follow your sister well from now on."
Gousheng seemed a bit listless.
Divorcing Ms. Cui was a relief for the sensible Wu Ni, but Gousheng found it hard to accept.
When Ms. Cui left, she held Gousheng and cried bitterly. Gousheng was also reluctant to leave his mother, and he had heard people in the village saying that Wu Ping would likely remarry, and he would have a stepmother who might mistreat children.
Gousheng was very frightened and timidly said to Anning: "Madam, I, I don’t want a stepmother. Could you please persuade my dad?"
Anning, smiling, patted him: "You’d have to ask your father about this. However, whether or not you have a stepmother in the future, you must learn more. Once you are strong, you won’t have to fear any stepmother."
Gousheng didn’t quite understand.
But he remembered his sister saying that this Madam was very capable and knowledgeable, and he must listen to her, so Gousheng kept all of Anning’s words in his heart.
After settling the Wu Family, Anning returned and encountered Wang Chunhua.
Wang Chunhua had specifically come to the Xiao Family to see Anning.
Upon seeing Anning, she immediately pulled her into a room to talk.
"Do you know? I’ve been inquiring around, and finally got some news."
Anning was initially startled, then remembered what Wang Chunhua meant.
It must be about the matter of changing fate.
"Who is it?"
Anning asked while instructing her maid to bring tea, snacks, and dried fruits.
Qing Xing first brought some sunflower seeds, chestnuts, and walnuts. Wang Chunhua grabbed a handful of seeds and while cracking them open said, "You should recognize the person."
"Who?"
Anning grew more curious.
To get Wang Chunhua to reveal it sooner, she personally poured a cup of tea for Wang Chunhua and handed it over: "Here, let me serve you this time, but please, do tell quickly."
Wang Chunhua still acted pretentiously, sipped the tea, and then told Qing Xing: "Go, bring all the delicious treats from your Grandma, and also instruct the kitchen. I came today planning to have a meal before leaving; your hospitality must be meticulous, with a full banquet."
Qing Xing smiled and agreed.
Just as she was about to turn and leave, Mrs. Xiao was feeling bored and hearing that Anning had a visitor, she came over to see.
Mrs. Xiao walked in, and Wang Chunhua quickly stood up: "Why are you here? I was just saying I would go to visit you shortly."
Anning helped Mrs. Xiao sit down, and poured her a cup of tea: "Is there something you need, mother?"
Mrs. Xiao took a sip of tea: "Nothing much, just came to chat with you all. You won’t mind my babbling, will you?"
"Of course not."
Anning pushed a plate of snacks towards her with a smile: "We are honored to have a chance to talk with you."
Wang Chunhua also smiled and said: "It’s hard to find such a charitable person to talk to. You see how happily I visit your house. It’s because you are kind-hearted and especially pity us younger ones. I feel comfortable when I come, that’s why I come often."
Mrs. Xiao loved hearing this and couldn’t help but smile: "You don’t need to flatter me. What were you discussing just now? I seem to have heard something about a familiar person."
Wang Chunhua looked at Anning.
Anning didn’t hide anything from Mrs. Xiao, and told her everything about the Wu Family’s affair.
Mrs. Xiao felt saddened for the Wu Family after hearing this, and when she heard that the child whose fate was switched no longer suffered, but still remembered his loved ones and shared his blessings with them, her eyes reddened with emotion.
"This child is so good, pitiful, having such a foolish mother."
Wang Chunhua quickly said: "Luckily he met Anning. Anning helped him fight for justice. Otherwise, who knows how much suffering he might still face? If it weren’t for meeting Anning, with Ms. Cui’s temperament, she might have ruined the entire Wu Family."
"Truly senseless."
Mrs. Xiao also cursed.
Then, she became particularly interested in which family had switched fates with the Wu Family.
"Quickly tell me, who is so wicked and corrupt?"
Wang Chunhua immediately said: "You should know them, it’s General Xuanwei’s family."
"It’s his family?"
Mrs. Xiao was shocked.
Anning tried to recall which family General Xuanwei was from.
After thinking for a while, she finally remembered.
General Xuanwei, who is being discussed now, is actually not very old, reportedly in his early twenties.
General Xuanwei is from Duke Dingguo Mansion.
Duke Dingguo Xie Chengdong was originally from Qingyuan County, but his family had always lived in the Capital. It seemed they got involved in some issues in the Capital and couldn’t stay there, so the whole family moved back to Qingyuan County.
General Xuanwei is Duke Dingguo’s son. His biological mother died early, and his stepmother seemingly didn’t treat him well. He joined the army at the age of twelve and began to guard the border at fifteen. During a time when strong enemies invaded, he even decapitated an enemy Left Prince. With his military exploits, he was awarded the title General Xuanwei and spent several years at the border.
It seems that two years ago or so, General Xuanwei was seriously injured and was summoned back by Your Majesty to recover.
Although Duke Dingguo is a super-rank Duke, he has no real power and is somewhat foolish, so people generally don’t mention him. Owing to General Xuanwei guarding the border and gaining fame, when people from Qingyuan County talk about his family, they refer to it as General Xuanwei’s family.
Upon realizing which family General Xuanwei was from, Anning became even more curious.
Mrs. Xiao also keenly stared at Wang Chunhua: "This doesn’t add up in terms of age. If the Wu family’s boy were alive, he would only be about sixteen or seventeen years old. General Xuanwei is much older than him."
Generally speaking, when switching fates, it’s best if the two individuals are of similar ages; the greater the age difference, the more difficult the switch.
Also, switching fates is generally easier when the children are younger, as their fate lines are not yet clearly defined.
Wang Chunhua laughed softly: "You only know about General Xuanwei, did you forget he has a younger brother?"
Anning exclaimed: "His younger brother? The one from his stepmother?"
While asking, Anning calculated for a moment: "It really is him."